The biggest club in London? Arsenal 'contributed over half a billion pounds' to local economy as Gunners' staggering influence in capital city revealed

According to a report published by accounting firm Ernst & Young, the Gunners contributed £616 million (€738m/$780m) to the UK economy and £425m was delivered to the club's local borough Islington during the 2022-23 Premier League season. The club also backed more than 4400 jobs in the country and gave £228m in the UK's tax revenue. The EY report further claimed that 14,000 fans took part in the Gunners' community services and the Emirates Stadium attracted 1.6m fans during the entire 2022-23 campaign across all competitions.

Speaking to The Standard, Arsenal's managing director Richard Garlick said: "Arsenal brings so much to our community beyond the football we play. Creating a sense of belonging and driving progress in our communities has been central to who we are since we were established in 1886. We cherish that heritage and the positive impact we continue to make.

"We are proud to publish our first Economic and Social impact report today. EY’s independent analysis shows the economic contribution that we make to the local and national economy, delivering £616million of economic value to the UK."

He added: "We hope the report, along with the stories shared by people in our local community, will bring to life the contribution Arsenal makes to the prosperity of the local communities we serve and the impact we have beyond Islington too."

On the field, Mikel Arteta's side fought tooth and nail with Manchester City for the league title, however, they missed out on the coveted trophy by five points in the end. The Gunners also secured a Champions League slot after a gap of six years.

The north London outfit will be back in action this weekend after the international break as they take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday.